Use of mobile phones at crossings may result in MOP300 fine

The   government has proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Law that would impose a fine of MOP 300 on pedestrians caught using or looking at mobile phones while crossing the road.

The First Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly (AL) met on Friday to continue discussions with government officials about a proposed bill amending the Road Traffic Law. This bill seeks to introduce new rules that would limit pedestrians from using mobile phones or other devices while crossing the street, likely to improve safety.

Following the meeting, Ella Lei, who chairs the committee, addressed the media, sharing insights from government representatives.

“They clarified that while answering phone calls is permitted, they recommended a specific ban on using mobile phones and video devices for activities such as texting or watching videos, which falls under the definition of ‘operating or viewing.’”
According to her, such a restriction aims to help pedestrians “concentrate” on safely crossing and provides a clearer legal definition of the rule.

Currently, under the current law and proposed changes, pedestrians are allowed to cross the road outside designated crossings if there are none within 50 meters.

They must do so without interfering with vehicle traffic and should use the quickest route possible. However, if road or traffic conditions make crossing unsafe, they should not proceed.

According to Lei, the bill clarifies that wheelchairs are meant for individual use and cannot transport passengers, with penalties for those who violate this rule.

It also prohibits the use of electric wheelchairs by individuals who are not physically disabled, and violators will face penalties, although the specific amounts are still awaiting a response from the government.

Meanwhile, the lawmaker noted that the bill also includes penalties for evading responsibility, such as leaving the scene after an accident, but the details of how this will be enforced are still being considered by the government.

Additionally, while the original version of the bill suggested that bicycle riders should wear helmets, the revised version does not contain such a requirement.